WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand plans to ban commercial
fishing near its coast and set up marine reserves to protect
the rare Hector's dolphins, a government minister said on
Thursday

The Hector's dolphin is estimated to number around 7,400
from 29,000 in the late 1970s. However, one of its sub-species,
the Maui dolphin, is said to be the rarest in the world and
facing extinction with as few as 111 animals left.

Fishing is blamed for up to three-quarters of the known
deaths of Hector's dolphins.

"The measures strike the best achievable balance between
the protection of these iconic dolphins and the activities of
our commercial and recreational fishers," said Fisheries
Minister Jim Anderton.

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He said the measures were estimated to cost the commercial
fishing industry up to 295 jobs and NZ$79.1 million over the
next 10 years.

The dolphins grow to around 1.4 meters (40 inches) compared
with up to 4 meters for the common Bottlenose dolphin, live
around 20 years, and breed slowly.

They usually live in small groups of no more than five and
feed on inshore fish species, which brings them into contact
with fishing nets.

However, conservationists said the measures were barely
adequate.

"At best today's decision is a half measure that fails to
ensure the dolphins' recovery or survival," said Dr Barbara
Mass of the Care for the Wild International group.

The commercial fishing industry said the decision would not
save any more dolphins, but would ruin some businesses.